Asr prayer
The afternoon prayer, performed in the latter part of the afternoon
How many rakats is Asr?
How many rakats is Asr? 4 sunnah before the fardh, 4 fardh. This page lists 8 in the site’s total column, which sums every category in the table.
Rakats breakdown
Sunnah and witr in this table follow one common presentation (Hanafi) where schools differ; obligatory (fardh) rakats are the same across Sunni schools. Minor variations appear in other schools.
Overview
Asr is the third daily prayer, performed in the afternoon. Many scholars consider it the 'middle prayer' mentioned in Quran 2:238. It consists of 4 Sunnah followed by 4 Fardh rakats. The time begins when the shadow of an object equals its length and continues until just before sunset. There is great emphasis on performing it on time.
When it is prayed
From when shadow of object equals its length until just before sunset
"Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer."
— Quran 2:238
Read verseKey reminders
- Many scholars consider this the 'middle prayer' mentioned in the Quran
- Angels change shifts during Asr and Fajr
- Great emphasis on praying it before sunset
Related pages
- Daily prayers
See Asr in the full order of the five daily prayers.
- Printable rakats chart
A one-page version of the same table.
Sources
"Whoever misses the Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and property."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 552
Read full reference"May Allah have mercy upon a person who prays four rak'ahs before Asr."
— Sunan Abu Dawud 1271 (Hasan)
Read full reference